legal / statutory
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legal / statutory
Required, regulated, or permitted by law. It refers to what is established in the official law of a state.
Es gibt eine gesetzliche Pflicht, im Auto einen Gurt anzulegen.
There is a legal obligation to wear a seat belt in the car.
The adjective 'gesetzlich' (legal/statutory) is derived from the noun 'das Gesetz' (the law). The ending '-lich' turns the noun into an adjective meaning 'relating to the law'.
Das neue Gesetz regelt die Arbeitszeiten.
The new law regulates working hours.
In the meaning 'prescribed by law', 'gesetzlich' (legal/statutory) often appears with nouns that describe rules or foundations. Common combinations are 'gesetzliche Vorschrift' (legal regulation), 'gesetzliche Regelung' (legal provision), or 'gesetzliche Grundlage' (legal basis).
Für den Bau des Hauses fehlt die gesetzliche Grundlage.
The legal basis for building the house is missing.
This meaning is often found in fixed terms from the German social system. The most important are 'gesetzliche Krankenversicherung' (statutory health insurance), 'gesetzliche Rentenversicherung' (statutory pension insurance), and 'gesetzlicher Feiertag' (public holiday).
Als Angestellter ist man in der Regel gesetzlich rentenversichert.
As an employee, you are generally covered by statutory pension insurance.
right
'von Rechts wegen' (by right) and 'gesetzlich' (legal / statutory) both have to do with official law. 'gesetzlich' is a normal adjective and describes that something is regulated, permitted, or required by law. 'von Rechts wegen' is a fixed, rather formal expression. It says that someone has a claim under the law or that something is lawful. In everyday language, 'gesetzlich' is usually more natural; 'von Rechts wegen' sounds more like official, contractual, or legal language.
Die gesetzliche Krankenversicherung übernimmt einen Teil der Kosten.
Statutory health insurance covers part of the costs.
Von Rechts wegen gehört das Geld dem Erben.
By right, the money belongs to the heir.